Switzerland

By Laura Randall DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT, Utah — Gray-green plateaus and rock formations in a palette of fiery oranges and browns take up much of the landscape on the 640-kilometre drive from St. George, Utah, to Dinosaur National Monument. Arid […]

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: March 26, 2015 9:42 EST1. RECENT UPDATESA hyperlink was added.2. ADVISORIESSwitzerland - Exercise normal security precautionsThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for Switzerland. Exercise normal security precautions.3. SECURITYThe decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.CrimePetty crime has increased and occurs in most public areas, particularly in Berne, Zurich and Geneva. Pickpockets are active in public places, such as airports and railway stations. Exercise caution on trains, especially on overnight trips to neighbouring countries.Thieves often operate in tandem, with one distracting the traveller while another snatches any valuables.Never leave bags containing money, airline tickets, credit cards or passports in the trunk of a parked car and do not leave anything on car seats.Alertswiss portalThe alertswiss portal (in French only) gathers essential information regarding disaster preparedness and emergency situations in Switzerland and provides guidance on how to behave. Exercise caution, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.Road travelAlthough many roads are mountainous and winding, road conditions and safety standards are very good. In winter, snow tires are required and snow chains may be required as well in some mountain areas.DemonstrationsDemonstrations occur periodically throughout the country. Avoid all demonstrations, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.Public transportationPublic transportation is excellent.See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.Mountain activitiesIf you intend to do mountaineering or ski touring:a) never practice these activities alone;b) always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company;c) buy travel health insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation;d) ensure you are in top physical condition;e) advise a family member or friend of your itinerary and when you expect to be back;f) know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal;g) register with the Embassy of Canada in Switzerland; andh) obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out.Special avalanche beacons can be purchased or rented to help searchers locate buried victims.You are advised to visit the Switzerland Tourism website for information on weather and safety conditions.General safety informationExercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.Emergency servicesDial 112 for emergency assistance and 140 for roadside assistance.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Swiss authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Switzerland or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.PassportCanadians must present a passport to visit the Schengen area, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Customs officials may ask you to show them a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. VisaTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days** The 90 days begin upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area.__________________________________________________________Schengen areaThe following 26 countries comprise the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.The Schengen area has common rules regarding visas and controls at external borders.You do not need visas for short-term visits of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Your stays are cumulative, and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. Some countries require that you register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival.It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen area.After 90 days of stay in the Schengen area, you must leave for another 90 days before you can re-enter.If you overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported. To visit for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a long-stay national visa.__________________________________________________________Dual citizenshipDual citizenship may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. You should travel using your Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. Consult the Laws and Culture tab, as well as Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.Children and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesGood medical care is widely available. Immediate cash payment is required. Medical and hospitalization costs are considerably more expensive in Switzerland than in Canada. It is recommended that you purchase supplemental health insurance.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.Dual citizenshipCanadians with dual citizenship or who are eligible for Swiss citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Swiss law.Canadians should check their status at a Swiss embassy or consulate.Driving lawsYou must be at least 18 years old to drive in Switzerland. You can drive with a Canadian driver's licence, but you are advised to obtain an International Driving Permit in order to meet the requirements of some car rental agencies.It is compulsory for all vehicles to be equipped with a warning triangle in case of breakdown.Radar detectors are prohibited.The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device.Highway travel requires the purchase of a sticker ("vignette"), which must be affixed to the car's windshield. Stickers can be purchased - valid for a year at a cost of 40 Swiss francs - at most border crossing points, tourist offices, gas stations along highways, and post offices, as well as at the Swiss TravelSystem website. Drivers using the highway system without the sticker are subject to hefty fines levied on the spot.Note that right of way is given to vehicles entering an intersection from the right unless otherwise indicated. Please consult local driving rules and regulations before renting a car in Switzerland.Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences, and driving licences may be confiscated immediately.MoneyThe currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).Swiss shops and facilities accept euros as payment, but change is returned in Swiss francs.Automated banking machines (ABMs) are known as Bancomat.When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, visit the web page of the European Commission on cash controls.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEAvalanches present a risk year round. The weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable. Always carefully follow the advice of local authorities.Heavy rains may occur in the spring and summer and may result in flooding.